December 18, 2012 (Houston, TX) – Grammy Award nominee, James Fortune named Number 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Best of 2012 Gospel Songs/Artists Year-End list. His current release IDENTITY was recognized at Number 5 on both the Best of 2012 Gospel Albums/Artistsand Best of 2012 Best Gospel Album lists; with his hit single “Still Able”at Number 8 on the Best of 2012 Gospel Songs chart.
Fortune caps off a successful year, celebrating the success of IDENTITYwith two Grammy nominations for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song as well as two Stellar Award nominations for Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year. IDENTITY was released on Fortune’s own F.I.Y.A. World Music label, in partnership with eOne Entertainment/Light Records.
Fortune also announces a new management deal with EJ Gaines and Pathlight Music. A first-time partnership with management, Fortune is excited to work with Gaines in 2013 on his future endeavors including his upcoming releases and projects on F.I.Y.A. World music
Fortune recently released his first Christmas album, GRACE GIFT and is celebrating the Christmas season with eventssupporting the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Toys For Tots. He has plans to kick off 2013 with the nationwide “United As One” tour with VaShawn Mitchell, Zacardi Cortez and Leandria Johnson.
About James Fortune:
James Fortune has amassed consumer and critical acclaim for his powerful fourth studio album, IDENTITY. The album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and spawned several hit songs including “Still Able,” and the crossover smash “Hold On.” In 2005, he and his group, F.I.Y.A. set the world on fire with their breakthrough debut album YOU SURVIVED. The lead single, of the same name, peaked at #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart, and garnered him the ASCAP Writer’s Award for Gospel Song of the Year in 2006. He gained worldwide recognition in 2009 with the award winning song “I Trust You” off of THE TRANSFORMATION. “I Trust You” held the number one slot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for an astounding 30 weeks, making history by becoming the longest running #1 single for any genre. Fortune achieved subsequent success with “I Believe,” which garnered him his second ASCAP Writer’s Award and a Soul Train nomination for “Best Gospel Performance” in 2011. Fortune has also received an impressive three Stellar Award nominations for “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Group/Duo of the Year.”
About EJ Gaines/Pathlight Music
EJ Gaines is the owner of Pathlight Music, a boutique artist management company specializing in Gospel, Christian, and inspirational music and entertainment. Prior to launching Pathlight Music, he worked as the day-to-day manager for the multi Grammy Award-winning duo Mary Mary, popular gospel artist/producer Donald Lawrence and powerhouse Christian vocalist Natalie Grant. EJ Gaines is also a licensed attorney and is the owner of GospelPundit.com, one of the most popular websites in gospel music.
